Get U.S. Postal Service to honor the Japanese American World War II veterans on a stamp

Roughly 120,000 Japanese Americans were imprisoned in remote camps on U.S. soil during World War II, including men, women, children, and the elderly. Still, amazingly, when the time came to step up, thousands of them volunteered for military duty to fight for the United States, from Hawaii and from behind barbed wire.

Many of these young Japanese American “Nisei" men joined the segregated 442nd Regimental Combat Team. “Nisei” means second-generation, American-born with parents from Japan. This unit fought bravely and became one of the most decorated and acclaimed in U.S. military history with 21 Medals of Honor and over 9,000 Purple Hearts. Many of us in the U.S. don’t even know the story of the 442nd, with its bold motto, “Go for broke!” This must change.

Three women (two of whom are widows of Japanese American veterans) launched a campaign 10 years ago calling for a postage stamp to commemorate these World War II heroes. But, despite an outpouring of support nationwide, the US Postal Service (USPS) continues to deny the request.

We are calling on the USPS to change this policy. Stamps are seen by so many people, and one honoring these American heroes will go far to educate the American public on their sacrifice.

Many of these soldiers enlisted in the Army’s Military Intelligence Service, using their knowledge of Japanese language and culture to help win the war against Japan. It is estimated that their service alone shortened the war by two years.

The moment this campaign was launched, the world took notice. Nearly 10,000 people signed these women’s handwritten petitions. Six state legislatures passed resolutions supporting the creation of the stamp. A grassroots campaign even sprouted up in France, where the Japanese American soldiers liberated towns during World War II. Those who know the 442nd’s story know how important it is to keep it alive.

Please. It is time for these heroic soldiers to be honored widely so that the newest generation of Americans will never forget their sacrifice. Please join me in calling on the USPS to issue a commemorative stamp honoring Japanese American soldiers in World War II.

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